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美國中醫中藥針灸 Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs and Acupuncture

Understanding Psoriasis in Depth
Psoriasis Overview: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by the rapid turnover of skin cells, resulting in thick, red, scaly patches. It is considered an autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system attacks its own skin cells, leading to an inflammatory response. Psoriasis can manifest in different forms, including:
Plaque Psoriasis: The most common type, characterized by raised, red patches covered with thick silvery scales.
Guttate Psoriasis: Appears as small, drop-shaped lesions, often triggered by a streptococcal infection.
Inverse Psoriasis: Occurs in skin folds, such as under the breasts or in the groin, presenting as smooth, red patches.
Pustular Psoriasis: Characterized by white pustules (blisters of noninfectious pus) surrounded by red skin.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A severe type that leads to widespread redness and shedding of the skin over large areas of the body.
Triggers of Psoriasis: Various factors can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis, including:
Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in the predisposition to psoriasis.
Environmental Factors: Stress, infections (especially streptococcal), skin injuries, and certain medications can trigger flare-ups.
Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption can exacerbate the condition.

TCM Perspective on Psoriasis
In TCM, psoriasis is seen as a manifestation of internal imbalances and disharmony affecting the skin. The main concepts influencing TCM’s understanding of psoriasis include:
Qi and Blood: Qi (vital energy) and blood are essential in nourishing the skin. Blood deficiency may lead to dryness and scaling, while Qi stagnation can result in inflammation.
Yin and Yang Balance: The balance between Yin (cooling, moistening properties) and Yang (warming, activating properties) is crucial. A deficiency of Yin or excess Yang can lead to skin conditions.
Five Elements Theory: The interplay of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) also influences health in TCM. The liver (Wood) is particularly important in skin health due to its role in regulating Qi.

1. Acupuncture Treatment for Psoriasis
Acupuncture Points and Techniques:
Acupuncture aims to restore the flow of Qi and rebalance the body. Here are deeper insights into the chosen acupuncture points and techniques:
SP6 (Sanyinjiao): This point is located on the lower leg and is crucial for nourishing the blood and promoting overall skin health, making it particularly useful when blood deficiency is involved.
LI11 (Quchi): This point, located at the elbow, is often used for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It can help reduce redness and itching associated with psoriasis.
ST36 (Zusanli): Located below the knee, this point is renowned for enhancing overall vitality and energy levels, supporting immune function, and promoting gut health, which is essential for systemic skin conditions.
GV14 (Dazhui): This point is used to clear heat and support the immune system. It is also beneficial in addressing the autoimmune aspects of psoriasis by enhancing the body’s natural defenses.
LV3 (Taichong): This point on the foot helps regulate liver Qi and alleviate stress, which can be a significant factor exacerbating psoriasis symptoms.
Techniques Used in Acupuncture
Electroacupuncture: This method involves attaching a small electric current to acupuncture needles. It has been shown to enhance the efficacy of treatments, particularly for chronic and severe cases of psoriasis, as it stimulates deeper tissues and increases blood flow to the affected areas.
Scalp Acupuncture: This technique targets specific neurological functions and can be especially useful for systemic conditions. It may help in addressing the complex interaction of the nervous system with skin health.
Intramuscular Needling: Sometimes, acupuncture needles are inserted directly into areas of tension or discomfort in the muscles surrounding affected skin, which can relieve localized inflammation and improve overall skin health.

2. Herbal Medicine in TCM for Psoriasis
Herbal formulations are often integral to TCM treatment plans for psoriasis. These formulations are customarily crafted based on the individual’s specific pattern of disharmony. Commonly used herbs include:
Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis): Known for its cooling properties and ability to clear heat and dampness. It suppresses inflammation and has antimicrobial properties, making it effective for inflammatory skin conditions.
Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): Often referred to as “female ginseng,” this herb nourishes blood and can improve circulation, essential for healthy skin.
Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa): Known for its cooling nature, it helps to nourish the blood and Yin, addressing dryness and scaling.
Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong): Promotes circulation and is often included in formulas to address stagnant blood and Qi.
Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala): Strengthens the spleen and helps reduce dampness, which can contribute to skin conditions.
Herbal Preparations
Custom Herbal Formulas: Practitioners may develop personalized herbal formulas based on an individual’s symptoms, tongue, and pulse diagnosis. These can be delivered as teas, capsules, tinctures, or topical ointments.
Topical Herbal Treatments: Some practitioners may recommend customized topical herbal ointments or washes made from herbal decoctions to soothe itching and inflammation directly on the skin.

3. Dietary Recommendations in TCM for Psoriasis
Diet plays a crucial role in the management of psoriasis in TCM. Recommendations include:
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Focus on foods that are anti-inflammatory, such as fatty fish (rich in omega-3 fatty acids), nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Foods rich in antioxidants help combat oxidative stress.
Avoiding Triggers: Identify and avoid foods that may trigger flare-ups. Common culprits may include dairy, gluten, and nightshade vegetables (such as tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers).
Nourishing Foods: Incorporating foods that nourish Yin and blood, such as black sesame seeds, goji berries, and whole grains, can be beneficial.
Hydration: Ensure adequate hydration with herbal teas, especially those known for their calming properties (e.g., chamomile or chrysanthemum tea).

4. Lifestyle Modifications and Mind-Body Practices
In addition to dietary changes and TCM therapies, certain lifestyle modifications can support treatment:
Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate psoriasis. Mindfulness practices, yoga, and acupuncture can help mitigate stress responses in the body.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in moderate, regular exercise helps improve circulation and overall health, which can positively impact skin conditions.
Sleep Hygiene: Quality sleep is essential for immune function and overall health. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a calming bedtime routine can lead to better rest.
Good Skin Care Regimen: Keeping the skin moisturized with natural, non-irritating products can help manage dryness and scaling. Ointments containing natural ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, or calendula may be beneficial.

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美國中醫中藥針灸 Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs and Acupuncture

5. Integration with Modern Medicine
Integrating TCM with conventional medical practices can yield better outcomes for psoriasis management:
Collaboration with Dermatologists: Patients should maintain open communication with their dermatologists about TCM treatments, ensuring that all aspects of care are coordinated.
Complementary Approaches: TCM can complement conventional therapies such as topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and systemic treatments (e.g., biologics). By reducing inflammation and improving overall health, TCM may enhance the effectiveness of these treatments.
Monitoring and Adjustment: Regular evaluations of treatment efficacy are crucial. Practitioners from both TCM and conventional medicine can collaborate to adjust treatment plans based on patient progress.

6. Research and Evidence Supporting TCM for Psoriasis
The research on TCM for psoriasis is expanding, showing promising results. Here are some key findings:
Clinical Trials: Studies have reported that acupuncture can significantly reduce the severity of psoriasis, with some trials indicating that acupuncture combined with herbal medicine produced superior results compared to conventional treatments alone.
Systematic Reviews: A systematic review published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found acupuncture effective in managing psoriasis, noting improvements in skin lesions and overall quality of life.
Patient Reports: Surveys and patient interviews reveal high satisfaction levels with TCM approaches, particularly due to the holistic view and the focus on treating both skin symptoms and underlying imbalances.

7. Patient-Centered Care and Shared Decision-Making
Effective management of psoriasis involves a collaborative approach, emphasizing patient-centered care:
Education and Empowerment: Informing patients about their condition, treatment options, and self-management strategies fosters empowerment, enabling them to take an active role in their health.
Goal Setting: Jointly establishing achievable treatment goals, focusing on reducing flare-ups, improving skin health, and enhancing overall well-being is essential for motivation and compliance.
Continuous Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication allows practitioners to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed, ensuring more personalized care.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine provide a holistic approach to managing psoriasis, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying imbalances that contribute to the condition. By focusing on restoring balance and harmony within the body, TCM enhances the overall health and well-being of patients.
Incorporating TCM with modern medical treatments creates a comprehensive management strategy for psoriasis, empowering patients to take control of their health. As ongoing research continues to validate the efficacy of these methods, practitioners and patients alike can explore a broad spectrum of therapeutic options to achieve optimal outcomes in psoriasis management.
With an emphasis on individualized care, lifestyle modifications, and a combination of TCM and conventional medicine, individuals with psoriasis can work towards improved skin health and a better quality of life.

中華醫館 www.ChineseClinic.com

美國中醫中藥針灸 Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs and Acupuncture